Security tightened in Bhatkal in view of Tipu Sultan Jayanti

November 09, 2015 | Correspondent | Bhatkallys News Bhatkal: The state administration has put strict security arrangements in place here in Bhatkal and in various parts of the state in view of Tipu Sultan birth anniversary celebrations planned on Tuesday November 10, 2015. Additional forces have been deployed at many places to handle any untoward situation. In Bhatkal, a rally comprising officials from the police department was organized. The rally began from Hanuman temple and passing through various parts of the town terminated at Urban Bank. The rally intended to send a clear message that public here need not harbour any fear of miscreants as they will be dealt with an iron hand if they attempt to take law and order in their own hands. A public function has been organized at Public Chabutra (opposite Old Bus Stand) on Tuesday at 10 am in which political and religious personalities from taluka are expected to participate. Decision to celebrate Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary on November 10, 2015 by the Karnataka government has stirred a controversy after right-wing groups backed by RSS described the ruler as 'most intolerant'. Countering the allegations, N V Narasimhaiah, a pro-Tipu activist and historian said, "Tipu has done a great service to this country and he was a secular ruler. He protected many temples from being looted. The famous Shankara Mutt at Sringeri was once looted and the pontiff ran away out of fear. But it was Tipu who brought him back and gave protection". The Tipu Sultan Sangharsh Samiti (TSSS) also demanded that the ruler's secular credentials should be given its due recognition. State Minister for Information and Publicity R. Roshan Baig said: "We celebrate Kanaka Jayanti, Valmiki Jayanti, Basava Jayanti. On same lines the state government will celebrate Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary. It is unfortunate that a section of right wing groups are opposing this. He was the only king who died while fighting with the Britishers". Meanwhile, right-wing groups had threatened to disrupt government's plan to celebrate the birth anniversary of the ruler. Tipu sultan built his palace near Vishnu temple in Bengaluru and many historians believe that all his palaces are next to temples as he believed in inter-religious harmony. With inputs from IBN - ARF